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Fleas have large rear legs, a reddish brown color, and are very slender. They are around an eighth of an inch long, but with a microscope, it’s highly likely that you can see them in detail. They have a flattened body, which helps them move through fur and feathers easily, making it difficult to remove them from your home.
Fleas are most often found in homes with pets because they will go to the animals for blood to feed on and reproduce. Once you have fleas, it can be hard to get rid of them without professional help. They breed very quickly and live on their hosts; some even burrow into people’s skin, so they need extra attention. This guide will assist you in comprehending how to get rid of these nasty pests and keep them out of your home forever. For effective results, you can also get flea pest control services in Clarksville, TN.
What Are The Reasons You Have Fleas In Your Home?
Apart from cats and dogs, fleas can also enter homes through other means. These include wild animals such as mice or rats, who may have fleas living on them, or if you purchase an item of furniture or fabric that has been previously infested with fleas. Fleas are also increasingly being brought inside by travelers who have visited areas with lots of fleas, such as tropical countries. You need to keep away from the fleas; if they are inside, here are some effective ways to get rid of them.
Through Pets
When fleas from the host animal bounce off the animal and onto surfaces like outdoor carpeting or furniture cushions, most flea infestations stem can quickly develop. Fleas are most active in temperatures between 70-85°F and usually prefer humid environments, making them a greater threat during summer. A flea can spread up to 50 eggs a day, and an infestation of fleas can quickly become very difficult to deal with.
Through Wildlife Pests
Visits by stray animals such as raccoons, opossums, and rats may also be a source of fleas entering your home. These animals can easily bring flea eggs on their fur or nests, which can quickly hatch and become an infestation. Rats and mice are especially likely to have fleas, and flea eggs can also be picked up by passing rodents, who may drop them in your home.
It is important to prevent these animals from entering your home, reduce the food sources they find there, and seal any entry points they might use to get inside.
Carried From Place To Place By A Human
Although fleas choose animals as their hosts, they will also attack humans. These parasites require a blood meal to survive and reproduce, so they can easily latch onto people’s skin and start feeding. Humans can transport fleas from one place to another in various ways. For example, if someone visits an area with lots of fleas and returns home, they can bring back flea eggs that are hiding in their clothes or hair. These fleas may then hatch and start an infestation in your home.
What Are The Symptoms Of Fleas In Your Home?
If your pet beds have fleas, your home could be infested with these pesky parasites. Fleas thrive in warm and humid environments, so if you live in a climate where this is the case, you should look for signs of a flea infestation. It is essential to check your pets regularly for these pests and look out for the symptoms of fleas in your home. Some of the most common signs include:
Excessive Scratching
Excess scratching is the most obvious sign to have your dog or cat fleas. Dogs and cats are irritated by flea bites, which is why they scratch or bite the affected regions. Fleas can cause significant discomfort to animals and humans alike, as their saliva contains an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting as they bite. Scratching can also signify that your pet has developed an allergy to flea saliva, which needs to be treated by a vet before the problem worsens.
Sudden Hair Loss In Pets
Unexpected hair loss in pets, often known as alopecia, is a surefire sign of flea infestation. Fleas feast on the blood of their host animal and can leave patches of fur missing when they feed. These patches may sometimes accompany redness, inflammation, and intense itching. An animal may develop anemia in more severe cases due to a heavy flea infestation.
Suppose you notice excessive scratching or unexplained hair loss in your pets. In that case, it is important to check for signs of fleas immediately. Because these parasites breed very quickly and are carried by humans or other animals, it is often necessary to treat an infestation of fleas at the source to prevent further problems. Flea preventative is available on the market, but consult your veteran before starting any treatment plan.
Welts & Red Skin
It is important to examine your pet’s fur closely if you observe any of these skin changes. First, check the groin and armpit regions, where fleas are most likely to be found. If you notice flea excretions, such as black pepper-like clumps or small particles on the fur, this could be a sign of fleas. Look out for red skin and welts, which may indicate that a flea has bitten your pet.
Ankle Bites Indications
Flea bites are easily identifiable due to their distinct one-puncture pattern. These little puncture holes can be anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the ankles, waistline, and other parts of the arms and legs. As opposed to spider bites which often have two puncture holes, flea bites only have one.
A person has fleas, including red, itchy, and inflamed areas of skin. A tell-tale sign is the presence of little black specks on the body or in bedding. Some people may also encounter an allergic reaction to flea bites. This can lead to blisters and hives, which are very uncomfortable.
Flea Dirt Remains
Fleas may be indicated by tiny reddish-brown or black spots on your pet or the walls of your home. It’s crucial to investigate whether these are flea droppings, known as ‘flea dirt,’ rather than regular dirt or dust. Although not always visible to the naked eye, flea dirt looks like sand or ground pepper and is made of digested blood.
To test for flea dirt, you can rub it between your fingers. If the specks turn red, then this could be a sign of fleas in your home. You may also find these droppings stuck to your pet’s fur or bedding.
Flea Eggs
Examining the carpet for flea eggs, including egg larva pupa adult, is another important technique when determining if your house has become a haven for them. Flea eggs are small and off-white, with an elongated shape ranging from 0.5mm to 1mm long. They can be difficult to spot with the naked eye, so you may need to use a magnifying glass or special flea egg detection tool to ensure you don’t miss any.
To check for flea eggs, look out for tiny clumps of white specks in areas where your pet spends most of its time. This can include carpets, under furniture, and bedding. Suppose you notice any of these egg deposits. In that case, consider implementing a flea control program in your home. This can help prevent further infestation and protect your pet from the uncomfortable bites of these parasites.
What Are The Potential Diseases Caused By Fleas On Humans?
In the United States, some fleas have pathogens that can generate human disease, including bubonic plague, murine typhus, and cat scratch fever.
Plague Disease
Fleas are small parasites that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They are most frequently spread to people by infected Oriental rat fleas, Xenopsylla cheopis, ground squirrel fleas, and Oropsylla Montana throughout the United States and worldwide. Flea infestations can cause a variety of problems in both humans and animals, depending on the species of flea.
While some species are only a minor annoyance, others can transmit serious diseases to humans and pets. The most common disease associated with fleas is bubonic plague. This bacterial infection is spread primarily by Oriental rat fleas and can be fatal if left untreated.
Flea-Borne (Murine) Typhus
Flea-borne (murine) typhus is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia Typhi. It is transmitted to humans through the feces of fleas fed on infected rats or opossums. The bacteria can infect people who touch a rat or opossum and their own eyes, nose, or mouth. Symptoms of fleaborne typhus include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and rash. In severe cases, it can cause organ failure and death.
Recently, the number of reported murine (rat) typhus cases has been increasing. Most people infected with this disease will not show any symptoms, but some may experience fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and rash. If left untreated, the infection can be fatal in up to 10% of cases.
Cat Scratch Disease (CSD)
Another disease that fleas can transmit is cat scratch disease. This bacterial infection is caused by Bartonella henselae and spreads through the bite or scratch of an infected cat. Symptoms usually develop within two weeks of exposure and may include fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, and a swollen lymph node near the bite site or scratch.
While cat scratch disease is typically a mild illness, it can sometimes cause severe complications like encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and osteomyelitis (infection of the bone). People with weakened immune systems are at high risk of developing serious complications from CSD and should seek medical care immediately if they notice any symptoms.
Fleaborne Parasites
Fleas are a common cause of parasitic infestation in humans, especially in areas with high rodent populations. While most flea species only attack animals, some can transmit disease-causing pathogens to humans through the bite or feces of infected animals. To protect yourself and your pets from fleaborne diseases, it is important to maintain proper hygiene and use flea control measures. Talk to your doctor or veterinarian for more information about protecting yourself from fleaborne diseases.
How To Get Rid Of Fleas And Protect Your Home?
Getting rid of fleas can be daunting since they have an incredibly long life cycle with multiple stages that must be addressed. To ensure complete elimination, breaking the flea life cycle is essential by targeting all stages and hiring the best pest control company near you. Some of the most effective flea control measures include:
Proper Sanitation And Frequent Cleaning
The first step in removing fleas from your home is proper sanitation. This regularly includes vacuum cleaner all carpets and furniture, washing pet’s bedding and linens in hot water, and frequently mowing your lawn.
Pet Treatment
If you have pets, it is also essential to repel fleas. This can be performed by topical flea treatment or by giving your pet oral medications. Talk to your veterinarian about the best options for controlling fleas in pets.
Brush Your Pet With Flea Comb Regularly
You can also reduce the risk of adult flea infestations by brushing your pet regularly with a flea comb. This will help kill adult fleas and monitor the effectiveness of your flea control treatments.
In addition to these measures, hire a reputable pest control company with extensive flea control experience. Professionals will have the expertise and equipment needed to eliminate fleas from your home and keep them away for good. To find a trusted pest control company near you, search online for termite treatment services in your area.
Bathe Your Pet Regularly
Bathing your pet regularly is another important way to kill fleas infestation. This helps remove adult fleas and eggs on your pet’s fur and any residual insecticides from previous treatments. Talk to your veterinarian about the best bathing schedule for your pet. You can also use flea shampoo for bathing.
Disinfect Your Home (Home Treatment)
In addition to using chemical treatment methods, it is also essential to regularly disinfect your home. This can be done by adequately washing all floors and surfaces with a bleach solution or steam cleaning carpets, furniture, and linens.
Follow-Up Treatments
Once you have eliminated an existing flea infestation, it is important to maintain consistent follow-up treatments along with the other prevention measures mentioned above. This will help prevent new fleas from hatching and reinfesting your home in the future. Contact Ortex Systems today!
Call The Experts For Pests Control!
If you have a problem with fleas or other pests in your home, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free estimate. Our team of professionals is here to provide you with the best pest control services in the area and help you get rid of all types of pests, including fleas.
We understand the frustrations of dealing with fleas and other pests in the home. It can be challenging to rid, especially when they have an incredibly long life cycle. That is why we are here to help you eliminate these pesky problems once and for all.